Navigating Menopause & Embracing Aging with Confidence
In a world that often magnifies our fears of growing older, it can feel difficult to gain perspective on navigating and embracing the aging process with grace and empowerment.
Let's delve into the interplay between media, ageism, and the societal influences that shape our perceptions, all while uncovering the self-care practices, mindset shifts, and moments of self-discovery that will illuminate your path forward.
Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Does the media perpetuate our natural fear of aging?
Absolutely! With the constant portrayals of older characters as fragile, unreliable, bitter or irrelevant, it’s no wonder that this negatively impacts our own narratives on what it means to grow older.
Let's look at how this plays out:
Advertisements: Ever noticed those ads for anti-aging products? They often bank on our fears by emphasizing wrinkles and gray hair as if they're something to hide.
Fashion magazines: Leaf through fashion magazines and it's clear—they usually feature young, slender models, which can inadvertently make us feel less attractive with age.
Movies and TV shows: On-screen, elders are sometimes portrayed as inept or needy, leading us to worry about losing our vitality.
News media: News tends to focus on aging's challenges, like illnesses and disabilities, reinforcing the notion of decline.
All of these things have led to research that reflects higher age discrimination instances as well as lower opinions of aging. But despite the cultural resistance of time’s passing, aging is a natural journey. It isn't something to dread or evade. Embracing it gracefully is possible, and there are numerous ways to lead a joyous and meaningful life—and all of them start with taking back control of our perspective and looking inward.
Deconstructing our own role in reinforcing ageism
To begin exploring our own biases, let's challenge the negative assumptions tied to aging and menopause. It's crucial to address notions that wrongly label menopause as an illness or associate it with loss of attractiveness, creativity, or productivity.
Instead, we can reframe menopause as a natural phase. It's part of life, signaling neither the end of vitality nor a decline in health. Once they get through perimenopause, many women report positive improvements in their quality of life such as increased energy, better sleep, and fewer hot flashes.
We can begin rewriting the narrative by shifting our own language on the experience. Reframing thoughts, perceptions and experiences to reflect the new and empowering parts of menopause will allow you to foster open conversations with others and have normalizing discussions. By sharing experiences and offering support, we empower one another. Media portrayals, candid conversations with loved ones, and educational resources all play vital roles in achieving this.
You can challenge stereotypes and approach aging with confidence
Start by questioning negative stereotypes associated with aging and menopause when you hear them expressed. Challenge the notion that menopause is an ailment, that it diminishes attractiveness or worth, or that it signifies the end of productivity and creativity.
Instead, invite others to see your view on menopause as a natural phase, an integral part of a woman's life. This transition doesn't indicate diminished health or capabilities; many women experience enhanced energy, improved sleep, and a reduction in hot flashes and night sweats during this time.
Normalize conversations about menopause. Elevate discussions, so women feel at ease sharing their experiences and accessing necessary support. Media portrayals, conversations with loved ones, and educational resources all play a part in achieving this openness.
Celebrate the profound wisdom and life experience that older women bring by amplifying your story and the stories of your friends and peers. Counter the misconception that aging is negative. Women ‘of a certain age’ hold a treasure trove of insights, and we should wholeheartedly appreciate and honor them.
Advocate for policies that uplift older women. This encompasses measures promoting mentally healthy aging, accessible healthcare, and flexible work options by taking the conversation up at work, with your family members and, if you’re feeling extra bold, with your policymakers at state and federal levels. This one can be especially impactful in local and national election years—like this year!
We can’t stop time, but we can embrace it by amplifying the fact that aging is universal and natural.
It isn't a source of fear or shame and no one’s shaming cheese or wine for growing ever more decadent when they mature. As we debunk our biases against aging, we create a society that's more inclusive and understanding for everyone.
Take an active role in embracing a positive menopause mindset and celebrate the beauty of aging
While you can’t change everyone’s mind, you can change your own perspective moment by moment and word by word. Whether it’s by taking more photos or celebrating your grays, your power belongs with you—you’ve earned it year by year and moment by moment. This time is yours and you can use it to shine a light on grateful, confident living at any age.
Are you feeling inspired to celebrate age with the grace and grandeur it deserves, instead of the shame and shadows it’s often cast in? Here are a few ways you can take an active role in redefining the conversation about aging:
Approach women going through menopause with empathy and inquire about their well-being rather than assuming a bad day or illness.
Initiate conversations about menopause in a positive light with friends and family.
Share your own experiences or stories from other women.
Explore literature penned by women who've experienced menopause, for a more accurate understanding and a chance to confront prevailing negative stereotypes.
Extend your support to organizations striving to raise awareness and improve the lives of women navigating menopause.
Instead of letting fear dictate your joy and the opinions we have around things like menopause and growing older, give yourself the gift of pushing back against the barrier of ageism that’s been so comfortably upheld by the world around you.
At Luna Joy, we want to support you in developing connections and conversations that enrich your life at any age. Get in touch today for support related to menopause, hormonal support from partners like Coralai and other mental health support. We’re rooting for you!
